Dreams about loved ones we’ve lost: what might they mean

Dreams about loved ones we’ve lost: what might they mean? Sooner or later, everyone faces the loss of a loved one. It’s an inevitable part of life, and everyone experiences it differently.

One of the phenomena associated with grief is dreams in which deceased loved ones appear. They can be both comforting and raise many questions. But what do they mean?

Dreams as ‘visits’ Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry Patrick McNamara from Boston University calls these dreams ‘visitation dreams.’ These are dreams where the deceased appear alive and communicate with us. McNamara explains that such dreams help us cope with grief, loss, and sadness.

In one of his blogs on Psychology Today, McNamara shares his experience: after his parents’ death, he saw them in dreams, which made him believe in life after death. ‘If even I, a scientist with a critical approach to dreams, couldn’t shake the feeling that I was communicating with my deceased parents, how much stronger must the belief be for those who are less skeptical?’ he writes.

Scientific Research

  1. 2014 Study The American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care studied the impact of dreams about the deceased. They found that such dreams are common and can contribute to healing from loss. Dream themes include:
  • Images of the deceased free from illness
  • Memories of the time of illness or death
  • The deceased appearing healthy and peaceful in the afterlife
  1. 2016 Canadian Study Of 76 bereaved people surveyed, 70% called their dreams ‘visits,’ and 71% felt a stronger connection with the deceased after such dreams.
  2. Characteristics of visitation dreams Psychologist Jennifer E. Shorter identified four main signs of such dreams:
  • The deceased appear as they did in life, but often younger or healthier
  • They convey a message that they are doing well
  • The message is perceived telepathically rather than through words
  • The dream feels peaceful, harmonious, and organized

What do such dreams mean for us? Many people feel relief, comfort, and even belief in the afterlife after such dreams. They help cope with grief by creating a sense that loved ones remain with us.

Have you ever had dreams about those you’ve lost? What did they mean to you? Share your stories in the comments and share the article if you believe dreams have meaning! 🌙

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